Waitākere Regional Park and tracks update

Multiple tracks at Waitākere Ranges Regional Park remain closed due to slips or dangerous trees. We ask the public to respect all closures and not remove any barriers or signage currently in place for their own safety, and to not add to environmental damage in the area, including the threat of spreading kauri dieback disease.  

Our parks rangers and staff are continuing to review information relating to land stability and the recommended geotechnical responses to areas which these tracks pass through.

The recommended responses include measures to limit further land movement and monitor ongoing movement before substantial remediation of these tracks can begin.

Because of this, unfortunately the availability of tracks in areas like Piha and Muriwai will be significantly reduced over the coming summer period. Please rest assured that our rangers, staff and contractors are working hard on continuing to re-establish as many of the tracks as they can, including re-opening partial sections as they are able.

We continue to encourage visitors to check our map of open and closed tracks on the Auckland Council website before heading out.

Damaged Muriwai tracks update:

A draft report covering the tracks listed below has been completed by geotechnical experts and is currently being reviewed by the council’s geotechnical team. A final version will then be produced which will form the basis of potential remediation works to these tracks.

Damaged tracks awaiting final geotechnical reports:

Maukatia Gannet Track / Takapu Refuge  
Quarry Track  
Lookout Track  
Edwin Mitchelson Track

Muriwai Gannet Track / Takapu Refuge update

Unfortunately, the much-loved Muriwai Gannet Track / Takapu Refuge and access to the gannet colony will remain closed for the immediate future.

The geotechnical report for this area has found that land is still unstable and remedial work will be required prior to reopening. However, ongoing monitoring of the ground movement in the area is required before remedial work can begin.

If you plan on viewing the gannets with friends and whānau, we ask that you please do this from either from the Maukatia Carpark or Flat Rock.

We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your ongoing patience while we work to resolve this as soon as we can.

Tracks that have recently reopened:

Upper Nihotupu Dam walk

Damaged tracks are likely to reopen in the short to medium term:

Comans Track
Ahu Ahu Track
Gibbons Track
Muir Track
Slip Track
Caves Track (Whatipu)

Damaged tracks that will not be open for some time:

Laird Thomson Track
Tasman Lookout Track
Marawhara Track
White Track
Lion Rock Track
Lake Wainamu Track (full loop)

Damaged tracks awaiting geotechnical reports:

Gannet Track / Takapu Refuge
Quarry Track
Lookout Track
Edwin Mitchelson Track
Knutzen and Kitekite tracks (including access to Kitekite Falls)
Zig Zag track

Note for Piha residents: The Eel bridge (Footbridge) at Piha Domain has recently been inspected by Council staff, and we can confirm the bridge is structurally sound and safe for use. Some minor maintenance issues unrelated to this year's weather events have been identified, which will be attended to in due course.